Becoming Rocky: The Birth of a Classic, (aka “40 Years of Rocky” in the US and Canada), is a documentary about the creation of the iconic film Rocky, narrated by Sylvester Stallone and featuring never before seen footage.

Over 40 years’ ago Sylvester Stallone was an unknown actor with a dream. Becoming Rocky charts the creation of the most classic underdog story of all time, exclusively told by the legend himself.

On 8 July, Showcase Cinemas successfully launched their streaming service Showcase-at-home with free apps for IOS and Android devices. This new video-on-demand service complements and expands Showcase Cinemas’ highly successful Event Cinema, Flashback and Spotlight theatrical programming.

“We are extremely excited about the partnership between Branded Studios and Showcase Cinemas, both for this current release and for other exciting projects we have in the pipeline,” said Charlotte Fantelli, owner of Branded Studios. “To have Becoming Rocky handpicked by an international cinema company such as Showcase Cinemas is testament to the quality of the incredible work put in by the award-winning Director Derek Wayne Johnson and the team, not to mention the legendary Sylvester Stallone himself.”

The new Showcase at home service offers a handpicked selection of films and event programming for fans while at home or on the move including new digital releases, nostalgic classics from the Flashback series, independent gems nurtured through the Spotlight strand, and a wealth of Event Cinema productions including theatre, musicals, stand-up comedy, exhibitions, and concert films.

Showcase-at-home chose to launch with the critically acclaimed Becoming Rocky documentary because they immediately recognised the huge fan appeal. They understood the iconic documentary would not only appeal to the many Rocky fans but also to anyone interested in cinematic history.

Showcase-at-home’s curated focus will also include unique current films, Flashback titles, anime, documentaries, concerts and filmed stage performances from the worlds of theatre, ballet, opera and musicals.

James Dobbin, director of Event Cinema, UK & International, Showcase Cinemas said, “Over the last 30 years, Showcase has consistently innovated and led the way in the UK cinema industry, and the launch of Showcase at home is the latest installment in our pioneering approach to film and entertainment – giving customers enhanced accessibility, choice and diversity.

“The forced temporary closure of our cinemas obviously been a difficult period, but one positive is that it’s allowed us to develop and launch this platform. The big screen will always be our first priority but it’s very exciting to have a streaming platform that will give our audiences another chance to watch shows they missed at our cinemas, and also encourage them to try content they might not usually choose for their night out.

“Showcase at home truly supplements our core cinema offer and continues our commitment to innovation in the marketplace – something we are incredibly proud of.

“We are delighted to launch “Becoming Rocky: The Birth of a Classic” as one of the lead titles on our new platform. We believe it has mass fan appeal and the quality of Derek Wayne Johnson’s documentary and Sylvester Stallone’s narrative is outstanding.”